EOGMs- Do's and Don'ts

YOU, yes you, little subsidiary proprietor man - you DO have the power to take on the sale committee and their entourage at the EOGM and direct the proceedings in a way that you feel is correct. Yes, YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

EOGMs are NOT all in their ballpark. Remember an EOGM is not held by the Sale Committee, enbloc lawyer or property agent - it is convened by the MCST (the Management Committee of your estate). Ever wonder why the pro- enblocers take over the MCST as a pre-requisite to enbloc? Because it is neseccary to their agenda. But all is not lost. They have to follow the BUILDING MAINTENANCE AND STRATA MANAGEMENT ACT 2004 (BMSM Act 2004) (see side table ->). Read the First Schedule in particular with regard to the holding of general meetings.

1)You want your questions to be answered but are not sure if you will get a chance to be heard? Then TABLE YOUR QUESTIONS BEFOREHAND.

What this means is that you write in to the Secretary of the MCST by email and by hand, (no harm in cc-ing it to the REGISTRAR of the STB, too). Include all the questions you wish to be addressed. It is vital that you do this before the Notice of the EOGM has been sent out to the residents - so send them in early so as not to give the MC an excuse to deny your request.

2) You want your questions and answers to be reflected in the minutes of the meeting?

When you stand up at the meeting, give your name and unit number and say "I want my question and answer to be reflected in the minutes of this meeting, please." they will have to comply.

3) You want to add a resolution to be voted on?

Then write in to the Secretary of the MCST with your request before the Notice has been sent out. He has to comply. CC it to the Registrar of the STB, too.

4) You want the minutes to be accurate?

Then TAPE THE EOGM YOURSELF. Buy one of those small tape recorders and edit the official minutes yourself. They may come in handy a year later - at the Strata Titles Board.

In fact- whenever you have a meeting/dialogue session/ house visit from any member of the enbloc team - be sure to have your handy-dandy tape recorder at the ready.

Remember, don't just think it -DO IT!